Germany calls for negotiations as US threatens tariffs on EU imports

German Finance Minister Jörg Kukies has stressed the importance of negotiations with US President Donald Trump to prevent a trade dispute between the European Union and the United States.

Speaking in an interview with German newspaper, Kukies noted that Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in increasing energy exports to Europe, Caliber.Az reports referencing international media sources.

He suggested that, rather than engaging in trade conflicts, both sides should seize the opportunity for mutual negotiations that could lead to a favourable agreement.

“We have seen with Mexico and Canada that, even after tariffs were announced, they were temporarily suspended following negotiations,” Kukies said, pointing to a potential diplomatic resolution.

Kukies also urged the European Commission to accelerate the signing of new trade deals. He revealed that countries in the Gulf region, as well as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, have shown strong interest in trade agreements with the EU.

“This is clearly in the interest of our export-oriented economy,” he added, emphasizing the need for Europe to expand its trade partnerships beyond the US.

According to a recent poll commissioned by German broadcaster ZDF, 80% of Germans believe that potential US tariffs on EU goods would significantly harm Germany’s economy. Meanwhile, 17% said they expected only a minor impact or no impact at all.

The concern follows Trump’s executive order, signed on February 1, imposing tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico. The order includes:

• 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports (with a reduced 10% tariff on Canadian energy products).
• 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, which took effect on February 4.

However, after negotiations with Canada and Mexico, Trump temporarily suspended the new tariffs on their imports for one month.

The US administration is also considering imposing a 10% tariff on all imports from the EU, but no final decision has been made. The potential move has sparked concern among European officials, with Germany pushing for diplomatic engagement to prevent further economic fallout.

By Tamilla Hasanova